Feyenoord Faces Challenges After Europa League Loss

After the defeat against VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday, Robin van Persie is back to the drawing board. His team’s performance was commendable against the Germans, even with a makeshift lineup. However, the numerous absences continue to pose challenges for the Rotterdam coach. How will RvP strategize for the upcoming match on Sunday against Go Ahead Eagles?

**Probable Lineup for Feyenoord against Go Ahead Eagles: A Depleted Squad Leads to a Surprising Starting XI**

The loss on German soil was particularly disheartening for Feyenoord. Facing VfB Stuttgart, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, the Rotterdammers delivered a strong performance despite the improvised lineup. Unfortunately, two late goals led to a 2-0 defeat. Nevertheless, there were several positive aspects to take from the encounter. “Feyenoord was the best team we have faced here in our stadium since Bayern Munich in the Supercup,” remarked Stuttgart’s sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, in a complimentary tone. Can Van Persie build on this foundation, as long as personnel issues persist, when they face Go Ahead?

**Makeshift Midfielder**

With Sem Steijn, Oussama Targhalline, In-beom Hwang, and Jakub Moder sidelined, the midfield situation is quite dire. During the match against Stuttgart, Van Persie opted for a midfield consisting of Quinten Timber and Luciano Valente, with Cyle Larin stepping in as a makeshift midfielder in place of Steijn. Remarkably, this arrangement worked quite well, as Larin acted as a classic target man, albeit not from the striker position.

**Certainties Up Front**

Ayase Ueda was unable to find the net on Thursday, although he came tantalizingly close with a well-placed header that bounced two meters wide of the goalpost. Had the ball found the back of the net, Feyenoord would undoubtedly have played a vastly different match. Nonetheless, he will receive another opportunity to score in the upcoming game against Go Ahead, where he will naturally lead the attack.

**Probable Lineup for Feyenoord against Go Ahead Eagles**

Wellenreuther; Read, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal; Timber, Valente, Larin; Hadj Moussa, Ueda, Sauer.

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